The government has given the green light to cars that drive themselves hitting British streets before the end of the year.

The Department of Transport is allowing the tests of autonomous automobiles on public roads in the UK. The self-driving cars will be rolled out -- so to speak -- with back-up drivers in each car ready to take the wheel if necessary.

Oxford University and Nissan are testing cars that stay in their lane and maintain a set speed and distance from other cars thanks to a system of cameras and lasers, with radios potentially allowing cars to talk to each other. Tests of an adapted, self-driving Nissan Leaf have been carried out on private land, but will now head out onto quiet rural and suburban highways and byways.

The government believes driverless vehicles could drive down the amount of traffic and improve road safety.

Self-motivated motors have been tested in the US in Nevada and Florida. And Google's been pootling round California in driverless Toyota Prius cars for years, like the one pictured above. There's no word yet on whether Google will be among the companies testing cars equipped with cameras, self-driving systems -- and, presumably, a note in the window reading "tax disc in the post".

Are self-driving cars the way forward, or can nothing replace a human in the driving seat?
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About the author

Rich Trenholm is a senior editor at CNET where he covers everything from phones to bionic implants. Based in London since 2007, he has travelled the world seeking out the latest and best consumer technology for your enjoyment.
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